Ford Recall 06V-383: Latches/locks/linkages – latch

Affected: 2005 Ford Five Hundred, 2005–2006 Ford Freestyle, 2005 Mercury Montego. Filed with NHTSA on October 5, 2006, covering about 139,537 vehicles.

The problem

On certain passenger vehicles currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and wyoming. The side door latch mechanisms May experience water intrusion allowing the latch mechanism to freeze in cold weather.

The risk

As a result, the door latch pawl May not return to the latch position when the door is closed, and the door could open while the vehicle is moving.

The fix

Dealers will install a shield over the front latches; seal a drain hole in the rear window trim molding on the freestyle rear side doors; and apply grease to all front and rear side-door latch mechanisms free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign06V-383 (06V383000)
Manufacturer number06S45
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
ComponentLatches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Report dateOctober 5, 2006
Owners notifiedNovember 8, 2006
Vehicles affected139,537
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the locks & latches

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 06V-383 repair free?

Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a shield over the front latches; seal a drain hole in the rear window trim molding on the freestyle rear side doors; and apply grease to all front and rear side-door latch mechanisms free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2006.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 139,537 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.